Manipur

With rich Indian tourist places voyagers can make their
vacations special. In this short note tourist will get the ample of knowledge
about the most popular North East state Manipur which is famous for its
greenery and high hill tourist locations. The Capital City Imphal is major
attraction of the state, though Manipur is not big in land area comparing to
other big states of India, but its natural beauty and dense forest areas makes
it more demanding than other land areas of the nation. The east portion of
state is boarded with Burma country. The land area of Manipur is 22,347 sq kms
which is equal to Israel Nation.

The name Manipur is made of two simple words of Hindi
Language. Mani means gems and pur means location. This land of gems is rich in
culture as well. The dance, martial arts, theater and carving specialty is
world famous. People visited Manipur suggest the state as Heaven on the earth
because of its natural beauty.

As per geographic location the state Manipur can be
referred as gateway of India to the southeastern Asia. If the government
proposes for TAR (Trans-Asian Railway) network then India will be easily
connected to Burma, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. According to sources the
Meeteis community people came to Manipur first, though they occupied only 10 %
land area of the state. Their local language was Meeteilon which was also
recognized as Manipuri. In 1992 Manipuri becomes the National language of India.
Because of local dispute and border of Asia the state is measured as sensitive state
of India. Outsiders are required to pose RAP (Restricted Area Permit) to enter
the state.

Manipur state was controlled by British Empire since 1891.
The state got freedom in 1947 when the nation got liberty from British India Company.
The state faced lots of political problems after independence. Earlier from 1956
to 1972 the state was known as union territory of India, though it became the
complete state in 1972.

Muhammad Alimuddin was the CM (Chief Minister) of Manipur
State from 1972 to 1974. Some area of the state becomes problematic since 1964
because of foundation of UNLF (United National Liberation Front). People of
such group demanded separation of the state from India and started doing violent
activities.

Some known districts of Manipur are Bishnupur, Churachandpur,
Chandel, Imphal, Senapati, Tamenglong, Thoubal, and Ukhrul. The hill region of
Manipur gives the charming atmosphere to the state. The distance of state from
sea level is only 790 meters and surrounded is covered with dense forest and
high hills. Winter could be little challenge for voyagers in Manipur because the
temperature goes really down in cold season. The freezing January is not good
time to visit and tepid July is also not better time to reach Manipur. October
to February is finest period for tourism in state.

Attraction in Manipur:

This land of gems is having countless charming places
where voyagers can visit. The amazing Shirui Lily situated in Ukhrul region is
first choice for visitors in state. The floating isles and Sangai are next two
best spots for holidays. Floating islet is located at Loktak Lake. The royal
game Polo can be enjoyed in various locations of the State Manipur. The finest
feature is Polo game is originated in Manipur only.

Few attractive Manipur tourist spots are:

Imphal: the capital city of Manipur is first destination
for visitors. Here tourist will learn the rich culture of state, though the
huge amount of migrant people from Kerala, UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, West
Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and many other states allow the Indian tourist to feel like
home. The only distance of 7 kms from Tulihal Airport allow voyagers to attain
the spot easily. The sports complex known as Khuman Lampak played vital role
for popularity of the city. The complex was appreciated for conducting national
games in 1997. Tourist can buy the imported items from Paona Bazar, Sing Complex,
Leima Plaza and Ningthibi Collections.

Shree Govind Jee Temple: the world-known shrine Govind
Jee Temlpe is best tourist spot of Manipur. The domes of temple are made of
real gold and its cemented court is beautifully managed by trust. The big congregation
hall of temple is special to watch. The idols of God Govinda, Goddess Radha, God
Balaram, Jagannath Swami, Subhadra and Balabhadra are placed in other small area
of the temple.

Keibul Lamjao National Park: KLNP (Keibul Lamjao National
Park) is one more tourist location of Manipur situated at 48 kms distance of
Imphal city. The rare and dangerous species of the park are best thing to watch.
The spot is having greenery everywhere and its temperature is moderate. The finest
feature of park is this best location is world-famous as floating national park.
There is no another floating park in the world except KLNP.

Loktak Lake: the freshwater pond of Manipur is used by
local people to get the fish. This lake is again popular for floating islands
recognized as Phumdi. The small boats at nominal fee are available to enjoy the
Loktak Lake. View of floating island from small boat is amazing and never can
be explained in words.

Lamka: next location for voyagers is Lamka, the 2nd
biggest town of Manipur. Lamka is the valuable trade center of the state also
popular for Khuga Dam located at only 7 kms distance in south of the Lamka town.

Moreh: this thriving border area allows viewing the Indo-Burma
border. Moreh town is big source for thriving trade among India and Burma. However,
legal and illegal trades both are done at this place like export of opium in
big quantity is done from this spot. The big fight between militant groups and
government was done at this center. In 1990s many people lost their life
because of strict action by the state government.

War cemeteries: this spot is established in the memory of
soldiers fought for India and British Company during the 2nd World
War. CWGC (Commonwealth War Graves Commission) is managing the cemeteries.

To take pleasure of Manipur state tourist must reach
Imphal the capital as the city is properly linked to many states of India by
road, train and air.

By Air: flights to Imphal from Aizwal, Delhi, Guwahati,
Kolkata and Silchar are available. Tourist can plan their trip by getting the
tickets of domestic airlines of India. However, irregular flight problem could
become issue so planning for Manipur should be done prior the trip.

By Road: Road is the best way to reach Imphal because tourist
can easily take pleasure of amazing jungle route during the journey. State buses
from Guwahati, Dimapur and Silchar are available for Imphal. The NH 39 directly
connects the city to several other places of India. Hiring the private bus is
also option for the voyagers. Dimapur is also having direct buses for Imphal going
through same NH 39 route. Daily buses from Silchar are available reaching Imphal
via Jiribam.

By Train: train is the issue for visitors as direct train
for Imphal is not available. Guwahati is the big railway station close to
Imphal city. Next big station is Dimapur linked with many big cities of India through
train.